ICU-Guidelines 2010

Intensive Care Unit
Guidelines for Clinical Management

(Developed for the Colonial War Memorial Hospital ICU)
Compiled by: Dr Lisa Bennett, Consultant Intensivist, 2010
© MOH_ Intensive Care Unit, Guidelines for Clinical Management_CWMH_ 2010 Page 1 of 49
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Admission Protocol.................................................................................................................... 5
Basic Nursing Care…………………………………………………………………………….6
FASTHUG Admission Checklist............................................................................................... 8
Routine postoperative ventilation .............................................................................................. 9
Initial ventilator settings ............................................................................................................ 9

Titration of ventilator settings.................................................................................................... 9
When to ask for help .................................................................................................................. 9
Intravenous fluid therapy ......................................................................................................... 10
Enteral Nutrition Feeding Regimen ......................................................................................... 11
TPN (total parenteral nutrition) ............................................................................................... 12
Analgesia.................................................................................................................................. 13
Sedation.................................................................................................................................... 14
The patient who is on invasive mechanical ventilation........................................................ 15
Standard sedation ................................................................................................................. 15

Propofol sedation.................................................................................................................. 15
Stopping sedation ................................................................................................................. 16

Night sedation ...................................................................................................................... 16
The patient who is not on invasive mechanical ventilation ................................................. 16
DVT and PE Prophylaxis ......................................................................................................... 18
Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis .......................................................................................................... 19
HEAD –UP tilt ......................................................................................................................... 20
Management of Hypoglycaemia: ............................................................................................. 20

Insulin therapy dosage protocols ............................................................................................. 21
Neuromuscular blocking drugs ................................................................................................ 22
Suxamethonium.................................................................................................................... 22
Vecuronium .......................................................................................................................... 22
Vasoactive infusions ................................................................................................................ 23
Renal Failure Protocol ............................................................................................................. 24
Calculation of Glomerular filtration rate .............................................................................. 24
Cockcroft and gault equation ............................................................................................... 24

Dosing Drugs in Patients on dialysis.................................................................................... 24
Dialysis ................................................................................................................................. 24
Patient selection.................................................................................................................... 24
Indications for dialysis in ICU: ............................................................................................ 25
Antibiotic therapy .................................................................................................................... 26
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY PROTOCOL for ICU ......................................................... 29
General Principles: ............................................................................................................... 29

Initial assessment.................................................................................................................. 29
CT scan of the head .............................................................................................................. 30

CT scan of the neck ............................................................................................................. 30
Important things to note in all traumatic brain injury cases for prognostication purposes: 31
MANAGEMENT of Severe Traumatic Brain Injury in ICU:.............................................. 32
On arrival in ICU: ................................................................................................................ 32

Initial management includes: ............................................................................................... 32
When should the patient with severe brain injury be woken?.............................................. 33
If ICP monitoring is in situ................................................................................................... 33

In the absence of ICP monitoring........................................................................................ 33
Intracranial pressure management- some key points: ......................................................... 34
Indications for ICP monitoring. ........................................................................................... 34

Targets (based on current BTF guidelines): ......................................................................... 34
Asthma policy .......................................................................................................................... 36
Signs of severe asthma and impending arrest ...................................................................... 36

Intubation in acute asthma patient ........................................................................................ 36
Principles of ventilation ....................................................................................................... 36
How to set up the ventilator ................................................................................................. 36
Drugs used for asthma in ICU: ............................................................................................ 37
If intubated and ventilated must also have: .......................................................................... 37

Other options to consider in severe asthma .......................................................................... 37
Should I use paralysis? ........................................................................................................ 37
What things tell you about gas trapping and effectiveness of ventilation when ventilated
for asthma? .......................................................................................................................... 37
What is the differential Dx of high airway pressures/inability to ventilate ......................... 38
Patient controlled intravenous opioid analgesia (PCA) ........................................................... 39
Epidural Analgesia ................................................................................................................... 40
DUTY of ANAESTHETIST inserting EPIDURALS .......................................................... 40

DAILY REVIEW ................................................................................................................. 41
TROUBLE SHOOTING. ..................................................................................................... 42
Infection Control Policy for ICU……………………...………………..…………...…….....39
Acknowledgement…………………...……………………….…………………….…...44
References……………………………………………………………………………….44
Admission Protocol
The Intensive Care Unit at the CWM functions as an Open Unit. This means many medical staff visit
and advise on aspects of the patient care, often at separate times to other teams involved. Therefore
the following points need to be clarified:
• The ultimate responsibility for patient management and care rests with the admitting
medical or surgical team headed by the MOH medical or surgical consultant.
o Unless the patient is already under a team, the admitting consultant will be the team
on call for the day of ICU admission.
o If the patient is already in hospital under a team then they remain under that team
unless formal handover to another team occurs eg surgical to medical.
o Admitting team must do an ICU ward round review at least once per day.
o Admitting team should be involved in any major changes to patient care and should
be informed of significant changes in patient condition.
• Under no circumstances does a patient get admitted to ICU under anaesthesia.
• The anaesthesia staff act in a coordination and facilitative role with the following duties:
o Coordinating and communicating between various treating teams eg surgical,

medical, renal
o Reviewing, accepting and clerking admissions,
o staffing the ICU throughout the day,
o coordinating care and providing technical skills for procedures in ICU eg intubation
and ventilatory control,
o reviewing and stabilising new referrals
o liasing with admitting teams over any new issues.
• New referrals for admission to ICU should be made to the registrar on call for ICU.
o If admission is appropriate and bed is available then the registrar should organise
admission and inform on call consultant/senior registrar for ICU as soon as
practicable or earlier if assistance is needed.
o If appropriateness of admission to ICU requires discussion eg unlikely to change

patient outcome, then ICU registrar should involve both admitting consultant and
ICU consultant/senior registrar and family in discussions and a consensus should be
reached.
• Senior registrar to coordinate with ICU charge sister about bed availability. The Patient
cannot come to ICU until nursing staff and bed are ready.
• Postoperative booked ICU admissions: OT staff must liase with ICU sister in charge
and/or ICU registrar regarding bed availability PRIOR to commencing surgery.
Basic Nursing Care
Hygiene:
• Full sponge every morning (for male patients include shave). Dress patient in ward gown if
discharge to ward expected.
• Perianal wash bd/PRN
• Hair wash PRN (NB. Hair washing is contraindicated in patients who have an ICP monitor or
EVD insitu)
Eye Care:
Sedated/Paralysed Patient:
• Clean with N/Saline every 2 hours.

• Apply artificial tears or Nsaline drops every 2 hours & PRN
• Secure eyes closed if sclera at risk of exposure
Conscious Patient (frequency of cares will depend on patient’s ability to blink regularly):
• Clean with N/Saline PRN

• Apply artificial tear drops PRN
Mouth Care:
Patients with an artificial airway:
• Brush teeth (if possible) TDS and PRN using tap water and toothpaste
• Rinse with tap water 2/24 hourly and PRN
• Apply paraffin ointment PRN
• Change Yankeur sucker daily
• Change mouth care tray weekly
Endotracheal tube care

• Document ETT measurement at lips at intubation, every shift change and PRN
• Measure ETT cuff pressure at intubation, every shift change and PRN. ETT cuff pressure
should be </= 20 mmHg.
• Suction ETT every 1-2 hours and PRN.
• Change HME daily and PRN.
Pressure Area Care:

• Turn patient 2-3 hourly unless contraindicated
• Inspect skin at each turn for evidence of development of pressure areas
• Ensure monitoring lines/cables are not causing any pressure
• Reposition oximeter probe (ear/nose) 2-3 hourly and PRN
• Complete and document Waterlow score once per shift
• Utilise appropriate pressure relieving mattress as required
• Document pressure area risk assessment findings in patient notes – if pressure area
discovered, complete pressure area incident form
Sitting Out of Bed:
• Aim to sit out of bed daily and PRN if possible.
• Ensure sufficient persons assisting to maintain patient and staff safety
• Utilise physiotherapists to assist in sitting patient’s out for the first time and at other times
when required
IDC Care:
• Record urine output 1-4 hourly
• Clean perianal area bd and PRN
• Change urinary catheter and collection bag every 30 days or PRN
NGT/OGT Care:
• Ensure tubing is secured appropriately:
o NGT – secure to nose using adhesive tape
o OGT – secure to ETT if present or tape to cheek as above
• Change tapes daily/PRN
• Check tube position following insertion, each shift and prior to commencement of feeding
• Aspirate every four hours (document in fluid balance)
Central venous line care:

• Document CVP measures on observation chart.
• Write the figure obtained when reading the manometer. Document PEEP at the time of CVP
measurement nearby BUT do not alter the CVP number for PEEP.
• For routine care of CVP line see infection control protocol.
FASTHUG Admission Checklist
This pneumonic is a reminder of important ICU oriented aspects of supportive patient care that need
to be addressed for each patient. These are covered in more detail in the information which follows.
Reference: Vincent, J.L. Give your patient a fast hug (at least) once a day. Crit Care Med 2005.
33(6): 1225-1229
Feeding and fluids
Analgesia
Sedation
Thromboprophyllaxis
Head up 30- 45 degrees for each patient unless specific contraindication
Stress Ulcer prophyllaxis
Glucose control- insulin infusion to control sugar to above 4mmol/l and below 10mmol/l
Routine postoperative ventilation
Initial ventilator settings
Mode: SIMV volume controlled with PSV/CPAP
• Tidal volume= 8mls/kg (to nearest 50mls)

• Rate= 12-15/minute
• FiO2= 1.0 intially (range 0.3-1.0). Reduced rapidly titrated to saturation. Aim Fio2<0.6
• PEEP= 5 cmH20 (range 5-15 cmH20)
• Pressure support= 10 cmH20 (range 8-20 cmH20)
• Flow-by on base flow=5 flow sensitivity=3
• Insp/exp time ie I:E ratio at 1:2
o VELA ventilator Set Peak inspiratory flow rate (PIFR) 40-60 L/min
o SERVO 300 set insp% -25% (green), insp plateau-10% (green) and CMV rate
o SERVO marquet/ BAIR ventilator set I:E ratio directly
• Plateau/insp pause=0
Titration of ventilator settings

1. Target range Spo2 is 90-95% (Po2 on ABGS >60mmHg).
• Initially patients should be ventilated on 100% oxygen.
• When monitoring has been established, and adequacy of ventilation checked clinically
and with pulse oximetry then Fi02 should be rapidly reduced to achieve target Spo2.
• Blood gases should be checked on admission and when Fio2 reduced to target.
• If FiO2 cannot be reduced to <0.6 whilst achieving target Spo2 then PEEP may need to
be increased.
• If Spo2 drops below 90% at any time, increase the Fio2 again until target is reached.
2. Adjust the rate of ventilation (keeping TV at 8mls/kg) to achieve target Pco2 of 35-45mmHg.
When to ask for help

The above approach to ventilation is intended for patients with relatively normal lungs eg
postoperative patients, head injury patients etc.
It is important to recognise when significant lung pathology is present this may not be adequate and
help from consultant or senior registrar should be sought.
Findings which should alert you to a problem which needs discussion include:
• Requirement of fio2 >0.6 to maintain Sop2 >90% (as above)

• Peak inspiratory pressure(PIP)>35cmH20 to achieve target TV or target TV not achieved due
high PIP (Pneumonthorax and RMB intubation etc should be excluded (see high PIP/patient
not ventilating protocol); PIFR will need to be reduced or I:E ratio changed so that this peak
pressure not exceeded- exception ASTHMA, see ventilation of the asthma patient protocol)
Intravenous fluid therapy
This should be combination of background maintenance fluids and fluid loads prn.
Maintenance fluids
Standard maintenance fluids of 1.5mls/kg/hr (100 mL-150mls/hour) of Glucose 3.3% Saline 0.3%
is administered to most patients.
Exceptions to this routine include:
1. Cardiac cases, Congestive cardiac failure or volume overload – may need to restrict
fluid- start at 1ml/kg/hr
2. Patients with cerebral edema from any cause ie post neurosurgical, Head injury, meningitis
or hypoxic / ischaemic brain injury – use 0.9% saline at 1.5mls/kg/hr instead of
dextrose/Saline
3. Diabetic ketoacidosis- use NSaline until sugars better controlled
Patients being fed enterally– reduce IV fluids to maintain total intake at desired level- write a target
total volume of fluids/hour in notes and allow nursing staff to titrate IV to this dependant on NG
absorbtion. For example: total volume 125mls/hr, 100mls NG and 25mls IV.
K+ is measured on arrival in ICU
1. If K+ < 4.5 mmol/L then add 20 mmol of KCl to IV fluids if renal function normal..
2. If K+ > 4.5 mmol/L then fluid without potassium is used. If at any time the K+ > 5.0, medical
staff should be notified.
If additional KCl supplementation is required, it may be given as an intravenous infusion via a central
venous catheter or a peripheral line as specified in the potassium administration guideline.
Fluid increments- Normal Saline
If goals for urine output, peripheral perfusion or blood pressure are not fulfilled, Crystalloid (0.9%
Saline) or colloid are given as rapid infusions. The volume administered is 250 - 1000mL of
crystalloid or 100 - 500mL of colloid, the amount depending on the clinical status of the patient.
Urine output
Urine output in the range of 0.5 to 2 mL/kg/hour is acceptable in most patients.
Target Blood pressure
Unless otherwise specified, target MAP (mean arterial pressure) for most patients is MAP > 65-70
mmHg.
Exceptions when a higher target may chosen:
• Known hypertensive patients

• Traumatic brain injury and other causes of raised intracranial pressure
• Patients with acute renal impairment
Enteral Nutrition Feeding Regimen
Enteral nutrition is preferable to parenteral nutrition if adequate feeding can be achieved. It can be
administered by a variety of routes including oral, nasogastric, orogastric, nasojejunal, gastrostomy,
and jejunostomy feeding tubes. Almost all ICU patients can be fed adequately by one of these routes.
1. For nasogastric or orogastric feeding, a wide bore (14 Fr.) ‘nasogastric’ tube is inserted.
2. Gastrostomy feeding tubes may be placed surgically, or via an endoscope (Percutaneous
Endoscopic Gastrostomy= PEG). If surgically placed, check with surgical team prior to
commencing feeds.
3. Nasojejunal feeding tubes may be placed with an endoscope or during laparotomy.
4. Percutaneous jejunostomy tube may be placed during surgery. It should be flushed with 20
mls water 6 hrly.
The position of all tubes should be confirmed by Xray prior to feeds commencing
The patient should be 15-30 degrees head up the majority of the time unless there is a contraindication
to being head up (eg unstable spine).
The standard feed in this unit is prescribed by the dietician and supplied from the kitchen. It is a
mixture of blended foods and feeding supplement (complan). The content is adjusted so 100mls/hour
supplies daily caloric intake.
• Commence feeding at 40mL per hour.

• Increase by 20mL per hour every four hours, up to a maximum of 100mL per hour.
• Feeding may be as continuous infusion or hourly boluses.
• The nasogastric tube is aspirated every 4 hours using multiple syringes if necessary. If the
gastric aspirate is:
o < 150mL the aspirate is returned and feeding continues;
o 150 to 250mL the aspirate is discarded and feeding continues;
o > 250 ml, then feeding should be stopped for two hours, then restarted at 40 ml/hr
• In the absence of contraindications, a gastric aspirate > 200 ml should be treated with
metoclopramide 10 mg IV QID, and consideration given to adding erythromycin 250 mg IV
Q8H if subsequent aspirates are > 200 ml. If this does not improve the problem, consideration
should be given to jejeunal feeding.
• Enteral feeding associated diarrhoea should be reported to a medical officer and managed as
per The ANZICS CTG feeding investigators guideline (see appendix)
• Change the tubing connected to the feeding tube (NGT or NJT) every 24 hours
Signs that a patient is not tolerating feeds include:
1. Progressive abdominal distension

2. Reflux of significant volumes of feeds into the stomach
If these signs develop then stop feeding and inform medical officer.
Stopping feeds:
• Feeds should be stopped 4-6 hours prior to planned extubation. In addition NG tube should be
aspirated just prior to ETT removal.
• In a patient with a definitive airway (endotracheal tube or tracheostomy tube) there is no
indication to stop feeds before a trip to theatre unless the intended surgery involves
manipulation of the airway or a procedure related to the face, oropharynx or neck.
TPN (total parenteral nutrition)
Total parenteral nutrition is rarely required if the methods of feeding described under the section on
enteral nutrition are used appropriately. TPN should not be started in ICU unless this has been
discussed with the ICU consultant and surgical team. Patients on TPN at the time of ICU admission
should continue on TPN until reviewed by above.
ICU TPN administration
• This regimen will give approximately 30-35 kCal/kg/24 hours of non-protein energy, and
1.5g amino acids/kg/24 hours ( =0.2 grams nitrogen/kg/day).
• TPN should be infused via a dedicated lumen on a central venous catheter.
• TPN can be infused with insulin and intralipid. Insulin is generally required to maintain a
normal blood sugar whilst on TPN even in patients who do not normally require it (see
below).
• TPN prescription involves reviewing the available solutions and prescribing the correct
volume of these to achieve:
1. Target calories as above (usually carbohydrate: lipids ratio 60-70%;30-40%)

2. 1.5 g amino acids/kg/24 hours as above.
3. Maintenance water 1.5mls/kg/hr and electrolytes (Na 1-2mmol/kg/day, K+
0.5-1mmol/kg/day, Magnesium and calcium) achieved but not exceeded
(may need additional crystalloid solution if large fluids requirement)
4. Vitamins and trace element requirements met
(usually separate prescription needed)
• Seek help writing the prescription.

• Clinical situations that may require adjustment of the standard ICU TPN regimen include
renal failure, hepatic failure, cardiac failure, volume overload.
Risks and Precautions
1. An infusion of actrapid insulin is often required to maintain blood glucose at an acceptable

level (see Insulin Protocol). This should be run as an infusion as a piggyback on the TPN
infusion. If more than 10 u/hour is required to maintain the blood glucose at this level, then
the amount of glucose being infused should be reduced (again discuss this with the ICU
consultant).
If TPN is stopped for any reason, there is a risk of hypoglycaemia. Intravenous Glucose needs
to be continued in some form. This can be as an infusion of Glucose / saline if run at more
than 80 ml/hr or an infusion of 50 % Glucose at a lower volume (20 – 40 ml/hr). Don’t forget
to stop the insulin and measure the blood sugar hourly for at least 6 hours. The Insulin
infusion may need to be restarted if the blood sugar is elevated (see Insulin Protocol).
While on TPN, blood glucose should be measured at least 4 hourly as per Insulin Protocol.
2. Daily blood tests should include an ELFTs, full blood count and coagulation profile.
3. Re-feeding syndrome can occur after prolonged starvation and may cause severe
hypokalaemia, hypomagnesaemia , hypophosphataemia and rarely Wernicke’s
encephalopathy. If the patient is at risk TPN must be commenced more slowly with careful
monitoring.
4. Patients with large ongoing GI losses such as diarrhoea or fistulas should receive additional
zinc; 10 mg for each litre of intestinal fluid lost. This should be charted given as an infusion
over 1 hour.
Analgesia
All patients in pain must be assessed. Pain can be a symptom of a problem that needs specific therapy
e.g. inadequate immobilisation of fractures, compartment syndrome, or perforated viscus.
Methods of analgesia that are commonly used in intensive care include:
• Intravenous opioid infusion. Add 30 mg of morphine to normal saline to make 30 ml

(1mg/ml); run at 0 to 10 ml per hour. Use boluses of morphine to achieve good analgesia
prior to commencing the infusion.
In patients with renal impairment, after consultation with the senior registrar or consultant,
fentanyl may be used instead of morphine; add fentanyl 600 mcg to normal saline to make a
volume of 30 ml (20 mcg/ml); run at 0 to 10 ml per hour.
• Nurse controlled intravenous opioid analgesia Add 10 mg of morphine to normal

saline to make 10 ml (1 mg/ml); nurse titrates boluses of 0.5 to 5 ml (0.5 to 5 mg) morphine
to achieve good analgesia.
In patients with renal impairment, after consultation with the senior registrar or consultant,
fentanyl may be used instead of morphine; add fentanyl 200 mcg to normal saline to make 10
ml (20 mcg/ml); nurse titrates boluses of 0.5 to 5 ml (10 to 100 mcg) fentanyl.
Common complications of opioid analgesia
o Nausea and vomiting should initially be treated with metoclopramide 10-20 mg Q6H
prn IV.
o Severe itch should be treated with phenergan.
o Respiratory depression may be treated with naloxone 40 mcg increments to a
maximum on 400 mcg; a naloxone infusion at 40-80 mcg/hr may be required as the
respiratory depression often recurs when the naloxone wears off. Bag mask
ventilation or intubation may be required.
• Paracetamol and panadiene Given orally, rectally, via nasogastric or intravenously in a

dose of 1 g Q6H. Do not use in liver disease.
• Epidural analgesia and patient controlled analgesia(PCA) These may also be used in
ICU patients. Patients with an epidural insitu are kept in ICU/HDU for observation until
epidural is removed. There is a separate guideline on epidural analgesia and PCA in the
appendix.
PLEASE NOTE:
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs & Tramadol : Not to be used. There is a very high
risk of stress ulceration and acute renal failure if these agents are used in critically ill patients.
Sedation
• Sedation has the potential to cause respiratory depression.
o If the patient is on invasive mechanical ventilation (via an endotracheal tube or
tracheostomy), respiratory depression is easily managed, and is often desirable.
o If the patient is not on invasive mechanical ventilation, respiratory depression
may be life-threatening.
o For this reason, the approach to these two groups is different and dealt with
separately. However, in both cases the use of a Sedation-Agitation Scale is
indicated to manage therapy (see below).
• Sedation may cause hypotension, particularly in the elderly. It is preferable to use small
doses titrated to effect when the patient is at risk of hypotension.
Sedation-Agitation Scale
The Riker Sedation-Agitation-Scale (SAS) can be used.
3 Unrousable Minimal or no response to noxious stimuli, does not

communicate or follow comands
2 Very sedated Rouses to physical stimuli but does not communicate or
follow commands, may move spontaneously
1 Sedated Difficult to rouse, awakens to verbal stimuli or gentle shaking
but drifts off again, follows simple commands
0 Calm and cooperative Calm, awakens easily, follows commands
-1 Agitated Anxious or mildly agitated, attempting to sit up, calms down
to verbal instructions
-2 Very agitated Does not calm, despite frequent verbal reminding of limits;
requires physical restraints, biting ET tube
-3 Dangerous agitation Pulling at ET tube, trying to remove catheters, climbing over
bed rail, striking at staff, thrashing side to side
1. The sedation-agitation score should be measured hourly.
2. All orders for sedative therapy must be accompanied with the target sedation-agitation
score. This may range from zero to three depending on the clinical situation. The administration
of sedative drugs should be titrated to achieve this target. Over-sedation is a significant problem
that prolongs ICU and hospital stay. The minimum amount of sedative drug that achieves the
target sedation-agitation score should be used.
3. If at all possible, patients should be woken daily in order to reduce over-sedation. Sedation
should be ceased at 7am prior to ward round, unless there is an exception to waking (see
below: patients in whom higher sedation scores targeted). Sedation is restarted when or if medical
and nursing staff deem necessary (see Kress et al, NEJM).
The patient who is on invasive mechanical ventilation
While a patient is mechanically ventilated, sedation is usually given intravenously. Generally a

combination of a sedative agent (midazolam or propofol), and a narcotic (morphine or fentanyl) is
used.
Standard sedation
Standard sedation for ventilated ICU patients will be morphine and midazolam as follows:
Mix 60mgs morphine with 30mg midazolam (ratio 2:1) with normal saline to total volume 30mls.
Solution will be 2mg/ml morphine and 1mg/ml midazolam.
If the patient has renal failure then usually fentanyl and midazolam will be used instead as follows:
Mix 600mcg fentanyl with 30mg midazolam with normal saline to total volume 30mls. Solution will
be 20mcg/ml fentanyl and 1mg/ml midazolam.
Standard target sedations core is 0-1 on above scale. In these patients if sedation score is above (at 2
or 3) then sedation is then ceased until sedation-agitation score is at the target value again.
Exceptions to this rule when a target sedation score 2-3 might be chosen by the consultant include:
1. Patients with known or suspected intracranial hypertension

2. Patients who are paralysed with neuromuscular blocking drugs.
3. Patients with severe respiratory failure who are asynchronous with the ventilation
(fighting the ventilator).
Propofol sedation
When available propofol sedation is sometimes used as a separate infusion either instead of standard
narcotic/benzodiazepeine combination or as an adjunct. IT SHOULD ONLY BE USED WITH
CONSULTANT APPROVAL and MAXIMUM DOSE of 20ml/hour SHOULD NOT BE
EXCEEDED, because of the risk of propofol syndrome in ICU. (max dose =4mg/kg/hr)
Use undiluted propofol (10 mg/ml); run at 0-20 ml/hr. In addition Boluses of 1 to 5 ml (10 to 50 mg)
may be used to gain control of dangerous agitation, but repeated administration of boluses is not
appropriate: either the rate of infusion should be changed or sedative drug changed to midazolam.
Propofol is short acting drug which does not accumulate even in renal and liver failure. It is therefore
used when a rapid wakeup is required when the sedation is turned off for example:
• routine postoperative patients;

• head injuries without ICP monitoring (mild-moderate head injury)where anticipated duration
of ventilation is < 24 hours).
Propofol may cause significant hypotension and should be used with great care particularly in head
injured patients when CPP maintenance is priority.
Sedation should not be used for the treatment of hypertension, unless it is clear that inadequate
sedation is the cause.
Stopping sedation
1. When sedation is stopped, patients with painful conditions will still need analgesia. The narcotic
component should be titrated to provide appropriate analgesia.
2. When agitation occurs while ventilation is being weaned, it may be managed with restarting the
sedation infusion, or by using any of the options outlined below for management of sedation in
patients not on invasive mechanical ventilation.
Night sedation
Occasionally night sedation may be required to restore the normal sleep-wake cycle. Temazepam 10-
20 mg nocte prn is the preferred drug. This is preferable to Excessive sedation of patients on night
duty should be avoided. It prolongs ICU and hospital length of stay.
The patient who is not on invasive mechanical ventilation

If the patient is agitated they should be assessed prior to sedation for underlying medical causes such
as:
• pain,
• hypoxia,
• hypercapnia,
• full bladder,
• constipation or a need to open bowels.
Specific therapy for identified medical causes should be initiated.
In the patient who is not on invasive mechanical ventilation the target sedation score will normally be
prescribed as zero.
Drug therapy for the treatment of agitation in non-ventilated patients
1. Haloperidol is the preferred drug of treatment of agitation.
• Enteral administration: The initial oral/NG dose of haloperidol is 0.5 to 5 mg (use

small doses in the elderly, and patients at risk of respiratory depression or
hypotension). Assess the patient after one hour, and repeat the dose as required. When
the effective dose for that patient has been established, this may be given as a single
daily dose
• Intravenous administration: The initial IV dose of haloperidol is 0.5 to 5 mg (use
small doses in the elderly, and patients at risk of respiratory depression or
hypotension). Assess the patient after 15 minutes, and repeat the dose as required.
When the effective dose for that patient has been established, consider using the enteral
route. The same daily dose is required for IV or oral administration.
• Contraindications: Parkinson’s disease, previous adverse reactions to haloperidol, and
Lewy body dementia. Benzodiazepines are preferred in alcohol or benzodiazepine
withdrawal.
• Precautions: 100 mg per day should not be exceeded, and is rarely required.
Prolongation of the QT interval and torsades may occur in high doses.
2. Risperidone (if available) is an alternative to haloperidol for the treatment of agitation. It is useful
in agitated patients with head injuries. It is available as an oral/NG preparation. The dose is 0.25 –
2.0 mg bd, incremented slowly. Full clinical effect requires several days of therapy. Dose
incrementation should be at 48 hour intervals.
3. Diazepam is the preferred agent for treatment of alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal. The dose
is 1 to 5 mg tds. It may also be used for other forms of agitation, when haloperidol alone is not
effective.
4. Temazepam 10-20 mg nocte prn is the preferred drug for night sedation. Night sedation is best
avoided in patients with borderline respiratory function.
DVT and PE Prophylaxis
All patients in ICU should be assessed for venous thromboembolism (DVT/PE) risk on admission and
have appropriate thrombo-prophylaxis. All ICU patients should be considered moderate to high risk.
A. Mechanical Prophylaxis
Indications: Ideally, In the absence of contraindications, all patients in ICU should have TED
stockings or if available sequential calf compression devices applied on admission.
Contraindications to the application of TED stockings and sequential compression devices are:
• lower limb ischemia or advanced peripheral vascular disease

• lower limb injury, wound or ulcer. If unilateral, TED can be used on the uninjured
limb.
• established DVT is a contraindication to sequential compression devices but not to
TED stockings.
B. Pharmacological Prophylaxis
In addition to mechanical prophylaxis, all patients in ICU should have pharmacological prophylaxis
unless there are specific contraindications.
Options:
1. Subcutaneous Heparin 5000u bd is indicated for elective surgical postoperative patients

having a short stay in ICU. Heparin is commenced on the first postoperative night for
neurosurgical patients.
2. Subcutaneous Heparin 5000u tds is indicated for the remainder of ICU patients. For ICU
patients having surgical procedures, subcutaneous heparin should be continued on the
morning of surgery except for specific high-risk procedures (eg spinal / neurosurgery).
Heparin should be withheld 6hr prior to removal of epidural catheter. Use of heparin prior to
percutaneous tracheostomy is at consultant discretion.
3. Subcutaneous Enoxaparin 40mg daily is the preferred alternative to subcutaneous heparin

for:
• patients who have had elective hip or knee surgery
• patients with spinal cord injury in the post-acute period (following definitive
stabilisation).
• patients with lower limb or pelvic fracture, but risk of bleeding from other injuries
must be taken into consideration.
Use of enoxaparin should involve input from the ICU consultant and relevant surgical teams.
Enoxaparin should not be used in patients with renal impairment.
Contraindications to pharmacologic prophylaxis include:

• indication for therapeutic anticoagulation eg pulmonary embolism, unstable angina
• coagulopathy (INR > 2)
• thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 60 x 109/L)
• ongoing bleeding (traumatic, gastrointestinal or post-surgical); or
• high risk of hemorrhage (eg active peptic ulcer disease or ulcerative colitis)
• intracranial hemorrhage (traumatic or otherwise). Pharmacological prophylaxis is not
commenced until the CT scan is clear. Patients with traumatic brain injury but no intracranial
blood can commence heparin at 24hrs post injury.
Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis

1. Patients who were receiving treatment for upper GI inflammation or ulceration prior to ICU
admission should continue on this treatment (oral / NG / IV as appropriate).
2. Patients who are admitted because of upper GI ulceration (eg. perforated or bleeding ulcer)
require specific therapy for this condition.
3. Patients in the ICU at high risk for stress ulceration, may be treated with Ranitidine 50mg IV
tds. High risk patients include:
• severe head injury,
• severe sepsis,
• septic shock,
• anticipated ventilation for > 48 hrs,
• high dose steroids,
• renal failure requiring dialysis,
• significant coagulopathy, (including therapeutic
anticoagulation)
4. Ranitidine dose adjustment is required for patients with renal failure (see BNF).
5. Stress prophylaxis must be stopped when the patient is discharged from ICU unless there is a
valid reason to continue.
Bleeding from stress ulceration is suggested by:

•
bloody nasogastric aspirates, or
•
by an unexplained fall in haemoglobin of > 2
g/dl in 24 hours.
If there is evidence of bleeding from stress ulceration, then treatment with omeprazole 40 mg IV daily
should be started. Upper GI endoscopy or other investigations may be required.
HEAD –UP tilt
Head up tilt of 30-45 degrees is targeted for all stable ICU patients, unless some contraindication
exists, for example:
• hypotension requiring resuscitation- -bed horizontal (not head down)

• Patients who are immobilised awaiting spinal clearance- in this case the patient is kept flat on
their back and the whole bed tilted to achieve head up tilt.
Insulin infusions
1. Make up intravenous infusion as Actrapid 1 unit per mL in Normal Saline
2. If patient is on TPN then run Insulin infusion as a piggyback on the TPN infusion.
3. Target range for blood glucose is 6-10 mmol/L.
4. Titrate insulin infusion range 0-10 units/hr to achieve target range. If insulin requirement
exceeds 10 units/hr a medical officer must be notified.
5. Blood sugar must be checked routinely in all patients.
• At least 1 -2 hourly in sick patients and on initiation of insulin.

• Once patients are stable BSLs should be checked at least 4 hourly in patients being given
insulin.
• When nutrition (either NG feeds or TPN) is stopped, the blood glucose may fall.
Measurements of blood glucose should be made hourly as the insulin may need to be
reduced
• When nutrition is stopped the risk of hypoglycaemia increases. To minimise this risk
patients should be on 3% Dextrose and 0.3% Normal saline unless there is a good clinical
reason to do otherwise.
6. If the blood glucose is < 3.5 mmol/L institute treatment for hypoglycaemia as given below
and inform a medical officer .
7. Neuro obs must be performed 4 hrly on patients on insulin
8. In patients who have had an operation, oral hypoglycaemic drugs should not be restarted until
adequate intake of oral nutrition has commenced.
9. For a sample guideline for insulin infusion rates see PA Hospital insulin algorithms
Management of Hypoglycaemia:
If the blood glucose is < 3.5 mmol/L
1. The insulin infusion must be stopped
2. 50mL of 50% glucose should be given as an IV push and the blood glucose rechecked
3. Patients may need a repat dose of 50mls of 50% dextrose. Dextrose infusion (eg 1litre
5% dextrose over 2-4 hours or 10 % at 50mls/hour) is advisable if this is the case.
4. A medical officer must be informed
5. Blood glucose checked every 15 mins till stable
6. Neurological observations must be charted hourly for 4 hrs and then 4 hrly
7. Restart insulin at a lower rate.
Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia - Insulin therapy dosage protocols
THE PROTOCOLS
NIDDM or Non-diabetic "stressed" patient - eg adrenalin infusion, TPN, SepsisThese patients

are at very low risk of ketoacidosis.They should start on algorithm 1. The insulin may be stopped if
the blood glucose is in the target range (4-10 mmol/L)
Protocol 2 IDDM, or NIDDM who were on insulin before ICU

These patients have a high risk of diabetic ketoacidosis if insulin is stopped. These patients should
always start on Alg 2. Do not reduce the infusion below 0.5 units/hr unless the blood glucose is < 4
mmol/L.
Patients admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis, or other forms of diabetic comaManagement of

these patients is not covered by these guidelines and must be treated on
an individual basis.
INITIATING INSULIN INFUSION AS PER ALGORITHMS
1. Most patients will start on Alg 1, including NIDDM patients not previously on insulin.
2. If a patient is an IDDM or a NIDDM already on insulin then they must start on Alg 2.
3. Move to Alg 2,3 and 4 if BSLs are not controlled in the target range of 4-10 mmol/l using the
insulin doses in the previous algorithm.
4. Move to a lower algorithm if BSLs drop under 4 on two occasions
5. Target BSL 6 – 10 mmol/l
Insulin Infusion Rate units/hour

BSL in Alg 1 Alg 2 Alg 3 Alg 4
mmol/l (Start
IDDM or
NIDDM
on insulin
here)
<3.5 Treat as Hypoglycaemia
3.5 – 4 Monitor BSL every 15 mins till levels >4
4 to 6 0.5 1 1.5
6.1 to 6.5 1 2 3
6.6 to 8 0 1 3 5
8.1 to 10 2 4 7
10.1 to 11.5 1 3 5 9
11.6 to 13 2 4 6 12
13.1 to 15 3 5 8 16
15.1 to 16.5 3 6 10 20
16.6 to 18 4 7 12 24
18.1 to 20 5 8 14 28
>20 6 12 16 28
Consider moving to previous algorithm
If second consecutive reading above 10, move to higher algorithm
Notify medical officer
Neuromuscular blocking drugs
Neuromuscular blocking drugs are seldom required in the Critically Ill and carry a risk of prolonging
ICU stay. Suxamethonium(for intubation only) and Vecuronium are used if needed. Indications
include:
• To facilitate tracheal intubation or other procedures

• Management of severe head injury with refractory intra-cranial hypertension
• Management of severe respiratory failure with difficulty synchronising with mechanical
ventilation with patients respiratory efforts.
• Initial stabilation (only) of the severe asthmatic
• Transportation around the hospital (only some)
Remember neuromuscular blockade can be fatal in inexperienced hands.
Suxamethonium
Dose is 1mg/kg (100mg in average patient) once only.
Contraindicated because of the risk of hyper-kalaemia in these ICU patients:
• Burns >24 hours following injury

• Spinal cord injury >24 hours following injury
• Other forms of denervating injury eg guillian barre syndrome
• Pre-existing hyperkalaemia (K+ >6.0mmol/l)
• A variety of myopathies and muscular dystrophies
Other contraindications include:
• Hypersensitivity
• Malignant hyperpyrexia
• Open eye injury (relative contraindication)
Vecuronium
Initial dose is 0.12mg/kg bolus IV (6-10mg in an average patient)
If further relaxation required use either:
• Increments of 2-4mg prn

• Infusion 0-10mg/hour and titrate to achieve 1-2 twitches on TOF.
Vasoactive infusions
• Vasopressor drugs should be run on a line separate to other infusions.
• For occasions where multiple vasoactive drugs are administered, check drug compatibilities.
• Lines and pumps are to be labelled.
When a drug is to be titrated against effect. The dose range and the target level (eg target
MAP, target cardiac index) should be part of the drug orderNursing staff should record all
vasoactive infusions. Usual mixtures for ICU include:
• Adrenaline is made up as 6 mg in 100 mL (5% dextrose). 1ml/hour=1 mcg/min.
• Noradrenaline is made up as 6 mg in 100 mL (5% dextrose) 1ml/hour=1 mcg/min
• Dopamine is made up as 400 mg in 100 mL (5% dextrose) 1ml/hour=66.7 mcg/min
• Dobutamine is made up as 500 mg in 100 mL (5% dextrose) 1ml/hour=83.3 mcg/min
• GTN is made up as 50 mg in 500 mL (5% dextrose) 1ml/hour=8.3 mcg/min
• Nitroprusside is made up as 50 mg in 250 mL (5% dextrose) 1ml/hour=16.6 mcg/min
• Vasopressin is made up of 20 units in 100mL of 5% Dextrose or normal saline.

The infusion rate is 0-0.04 units/min (0-12 mL./hr). This infusion rate should not be
exceeded.
• Metaraminol (Aramine) for bolus use is drawn up 10mg in 20mL (ie 0.5mg/mL). Use 1-2ml
boluses.
• Ephedrine for bolus use is drawn up 30mg in 10mls (ie 3mg/ml). Use 1-2ml boluses
• Salbutamol :
o Bolus dose draw up 500mcg in 10mls and use 50-250mcg boluses ( 1-5mls)
o For infusion use 2000mcg in 100mls (1ml/hour = 0.33 mcg.min)
Infuse at 5-20mcg/min (ie 15-60mls/hour)
Renal Failure Protocol
Calculation of Glomerular filtration rate
When a patient has renal failure then doses of renally excreted drugs need to be altered according to
the GFR.
GFR is calculated using the Cockcroft-Gault equation (see below). Once GFR is calculated drug
doses must be altered accordingly using an appropriate guideline (eg BNF) to guide therapy.
Examples of ICU drugs needing altered dose in renal failure include:
• Almost all antibiotics (see below),

• Morphine (use fentanyl instead if possible)
• Ranitidine
• low molecular weight heparin (use unfractionated heparin instead)
• ACE Inhibitors
Cockcroft and gault equation

GFR (ml/min) = body weight(kg) X (140 – age (years)) subtract 15% for
women
0.814 X serum creatinine (mcmol/l)
For example: 48year old, 70kg man with creatinine of 300 micromol/l
GFR= 70 X (140-48) / 0.814x300
= 26.4 ml/min
Dosing Drugs in Patients on dialysis

Intermittent dialysis: give drug dose after dialysis as recommended in BNF
Continuous dialysis: approximate GFR whilst using dialysis is 20-40mls/min; adjust dose
(eg CVVHD) accordingly
Peritoneal dialysis: presume GFR minimal and dose accordingly
Dialysis
Patient selection
Haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis will be available in the ICU at CMW hospital for suitable
patients with the following considerations:
• They have one or more indication for renal dialysis(see below)

• The chances of surviving their illness would be reasonably high if dialysis is successful.
• They are hemodynamically stable enough to tolerate the procedure.
• Dialysis is very unlikely to be needed long term (ie renal function is expected to recover)
Suitable patients should be referred for discussion. The final decision as to whether dialysis is
appropriate should be a consensus between:
1. ICU team
2. treating medical or surgical team
3. hospital renal physician/dialysis service.
Indications for dialysis in ICU:
Criteria:
• Oliguria (urine output <200ml/12hours)
• Anuria (urine output 0-50ml/12hours)
• Urea >35 mmol/l
• Creatinine >400mcmol/l
• Potassium >6.5 mmol/l or rapidly rising
• Pulmonary edema unresponsive to diuretics
• Severe metabolic acidosis (pH <7.1)
• Na<110mmol/l or >160mmol/l
• Temperature >40degrees celcius
• Uraemic complications (encephalopathy, neuropathy, pericarditis)
• Overdose of a dialysable agent (eg brake fluid)
If one criteria is present then dialysis should be considered.

If 2 or more criteria are simultaneously present then dialysis is strongly recommended.
(taken from chapter 39,Ohs intensive care manual,D berston, N soni and Teik E Oh, 5th edition, 2003)
Antibiotic therapy
Antibiotic therapy is commonly prescribed in ICU. It is important to know not only which antibiotics
are likely cover to which organisms, but also local sensitivity patterns for each antibiotic as these may
differ from textbook sensitivities outlined in antibiotic spectrum guide (appendix).
Most antibiotics need doses adjusted for renal dysfunction.
To calculate GFR use cobcroft-gault equation above.
The table below outlines BNF recommendations for dosage changes for antibiotics commonly used.
Mild renal failure Moderate renal Severe renal failure

GFR 20-50ml/min failure GFR <10ml/min
Approx. Creat 150-300 GFR 10-20ml/min Approx. Creat >700mcmol/min
ANTIBIOTICS mcmol/l Approx. Creat 300-
700mcmol/l
Ampicillin Reduce dose
Benzyl penicillin Maximum 6.0 grams/day

(neurotoxicity/convulsions if
accumulates)
Cloxacillin Reduce dose
Ciprofloxacin Half normal dose Half normal dose
Cephazolin Maximum 500mg/day
Ceftriaxone Reduce dose
Chloramphenicol Avoid unless no alternative

(due dose related bone marrow
depression)
Clindamycin
Erythromycin Maximum 1.5 grams/day
Meropenum
Rifampicin
Piperacillin Maximum 16gram/day if Maximum 8 Maximum 8 grams/day

GFR 40-80ml/min grams/day
Maximum 12grams/day if
GRF 20-40ml/min
Sulphonamides Ensure high fluid intake. Moderate risk of crystalluria.
Tetracycline Avoid from mild renal failure
Vancomycin and These antibiotics are nephrotoxic and need special mention (see below)
Gentamicin
Recommendations to allow administration of gentamicin and vancomycin in a safe and effective
manner:
Gentamicin
Normal renal function
• Gentamicin is given every 24 hours, with the dose determined by blood levels.
• The initial dose is 5-7mg/kg.
• Blood levels should be measured 24 hours after the first dose, then daily just before the next
dose is due.
• Blood levels should be taken immediately prior to the next dose of Gentamicin being given.
Administration of that dose of Gentamicin should not be delayed until levels are available.
Subsequent dose is adjusted based on the blood level.
• The target blood level is < 0.5mg/L.
• Patients receiving synergistic gentamicin for bacterial endocarditis can be dosed with once
daily dosing as above.
Abnormal renal function
• The initial dose is 3mg/kg.

• Blood levels should be measured 24 hours after the first dose, then daily with the morning
blood tests.
• The next dose (of 3mg/kg) should be given when the blood level has fallen to < 0.5mg/L.
This means that that dose of Gentamicin should not be given until the levels are available.
• If it is not possible to measure levels then try to use a nonrenal toxic alternative, for
example:
1. ceftriaxone (gram positive and gram negative cover but not pseudomonads),
2. ciprofloxacin ( good gram negative and anti-pseudomonal activity but pneumococcus
usually resistant)
3. piperacillin (broad spectrum penicillin with gram positive, gram negative,
antipseudomonal and some anaerobic cover
4. meropenum
Vancomycin
Vancomycin is not commonly used at CWM but is useful for covering gram positive organisms and is
the antibiotic of choice for MRSA septicaemia and for line sepsis secondary to coagulase negative
staphlococcus (staph epidermidis).
Administration of Vancomycin
Dilute to 5mg/mL in a compatible fluid. Administer at a rate not more than 500mg/hour, in order to
avoid adverse administration effects (Redman syndrome). For fluid restricted patients, may be diluted
to 10mg/mL, but MUST be administered via central line for this concentration.
Patients not on renal replacement therapy
• Initial loading dose is 15 mg/kg (to the nearest 500 mg) regardless of renal function.
• Maintenance dose: Intermittent doses of 500 mg are used. The frequency of dosing may be up
to 6 times per day (mane, bd, Q8H, Q6H, Q4H), aiming for a blood level of 15-20.
• GFR > 50 ml/min. Start with 500 mg Q6H. Measure levels daily, immediately prior to giving
the morning dose. Do not wait for levels to give further doses.
• GFR 10-50 ml/min: Start with 500 mg bd (two times a day). Measure levels daily,
immediately prior to giving the morning dose. Do not wait for levels to give further doses.
• GFR < 10 ml/min: Measure levels daily at 0800. Repeat dose of 500 mg only when level is <
20. On the medication order, it should be written up as a mane dose, but specified in the
Physician instructions section “Measure levels daily at 0800. Do not give unless the level is
known to be < 20”.
Patients on renal replacement therapy (CVVHDF or intermittent haemodialysis)
• Initial loading dose is 15 mg/kg (to the nearest 500 mg).

• Maintenance dose: Intermittent doses of 500 mg are used. The frequency of dosing may be up
to 6 times per day (mane, bd, Q8H, Q6H, Q4H), aiming for a blood level of 15-20.
• Use an initial dose of 500 mg bd. Measure levels daily, immediately prior to giving the
morning dose. Do not wait for levels to give further doses.
• If the CVVHDF is stopped for more than 12 hours, the vancomycin order should be changed
to the GFR < 10 ml/min protocol.
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY PROTOCOL for ICU
General Principles:
Primary Injury occurs at the time of impact. Focus of treatment is on (1) prevention/minimisation of
secondary injury, (2) maintenance of CPP and (3)reducing ICP
(1) Avoid secondary injury, therefore avoid:
• Hypoxia (Po2 <60mmHg)

• Hypotension (SBP< (90 + agex2)mmHg in paed)
• hyperglycaemia, hypoglycaemia
• hyperthermia(any temp>38)
• high ICP (more than 25mmHg adults or 20mmHg in paed)
• high venous pressure-kinking or obstruction neck veins, sustained valsalva(fighting
ventilator, coughing, straining)
(2) Maintain cerebral perfusion pressure and therefore MAP
CPP= MAP- ICP (CVP)
Need CPP of at least 60mmHg- aim CPP60-70mmHg
In Non head-injured patient Normal ICP 5-15mmHg, therefore MAP 65-75 will provide adequate
CPP.
If traumatic brain injury Assume increased ICP likely; assume ICP 20-30mmHg
 to ensure CPP>60 therefore need Map 80-90mmHg

 maintain MAP with:
o fluids +/-
o noradrenalin or adrenalin
.
(3)Reduce intracranial pressure If intracranial pressure is monitored then the following
interventions have been shown to lower ICP (for further information see below):
o Sedation
o Paralysis
o Head up tilt
o Straightening head
o Osmotherapy (hypertonic saline)
o CSF drainage
o Reducing Pco2 to 35-40mmHg (though levels below 30mmol harmful if chronic)
o Hypothermia
o Decompressive craniectomy
Initial assessment
• Assessment, resuscitation and initial stabilisation of these patients is an urgent task.

Any period in the first few hours where the BP, PaO2, PaCO2, fluid status, head position or level of
sedation is suboptimal may compromise long term outcome.
A systolic BP below 90mmHg or a PaO2 below 60mmHg at any time is associated with a worse
outcome.
• Put together a full history from relatives, ambulance report and referring clinicians
• Conduct a head to toe examination (a full secondary survey) ; Identify any other injuries
which have or have not previously been identified and ensure that there is a management
plan.
• review all results and x-rays: Identify any further x-rays which are needed both immediately
or the next working day.
• Classify severity of injury is based on Glasgow Coma Score (GCS):
1. severe head injury is when GCS is 8 or less

2. moderate head injury is when GCS between 9 and 12
3. minor head injury is when GCS between 13 and 15.
• CT scan of the head is required for patients with any of the following:
1. Extremes of age
2. History suggestive of major trauma (associated spine or other long bone injuries)
3. Intoxicated patient - drugs, alcohol
4. Penetrating trauma
5. Signs of increased ICP
6. Signs of basal skull fracture
7. Deterioration of GCS
8. Open fracture/Depressed skull fracture
9. Lateralizing signs
10. focal or generalized post traumatic seizure.
11. GCS less than 13
12. Patients with minor head injuries : witnessed loss of consciousness, definite amnesia
or witnessed disorientation in a patient with a GCS score of 13-15 and any one of the
following:
• GCS score less than 15 at 2 hrs after the injury
• Suspected open or depressed skill fracture
• Vomiting
• Age greater than 65
• amnesia before impact more than 30 minutes
• dangerous mechanism
• CT scan of the neck is indicated all ventilated brain trauma cases as plain films are
insufficient in these patients to confidently clear the cervical spine.
• All patients with GCS <or= 8 must be electively intubated and ventilated for CT head and
cervical spine and then transferred to ICU.
• If patient has GCS above 8 following head injury but patient is combative restless or
uncooperative and would require sedation to lie still for a CT scan, then patient must be
electively intubated and ventilated using rapid sequence induction. No head injured patient
should be sedated for CT without airway protection and controlled ventilation.
After CT Scan and transfer to ICU/HDU, patients with mild (GCS 13-15) and moderate (GCS 9-12)
head injuries are normally woken and extubated as soon as feasible. This may take a few days if
patients are too drowsy to cough or cooperate with chest therapy. Sedation of patients kept to the
minimum required for care with ETT.
Patients with Severe head Injuries (GCS3-8 after correction of hypotension and hypoxia and which
cannot be attributed to drugs or alcohol) are electively kept intubated and sedated and follow the
protocol below. Ongoing management depends on CT findings, operative findings and consensus with
ICU and surgical teams (see notes on When should the patient with severe brain injury be woken?
below).
Important things to note in all traumatic brain injury cases for prognostication purposes:
1. Age (<60 years)
2. GCS (after resuscitation and without the effect of alcohol or sedative drugs)
3. Pupillary signs (after surgery in the absence of eye injury)
4. CT scan findings
5. Whether patient has suffered any secondary injury in particular hypotension or
hypoxia
Please note:
Never assume that alcohol is the cause of drowsiness in a confused patient
Head or brain injury is never the cause of hypotension in the adult trauma patient
MANAGEMENT of Severe Traumatic Brain Injury in ICU:
On arrival in ICU:
• Review ABCDE (primary survey)including vital signs and effectiveness of resuscitation.
• Conduct head to toe examination (full secondary survey) to evaluate for any missed injuries.
• Review again all xrays and chase results of blood tests.
Initial management includes:

1. Head up tilt 30 degrees, head in the midline looking forward, neck not extended.
2. Ensure hard collar is not obstructing the venous return and remove or replace with sandbag as
soon as safe. Check tracheal tube ties are not obstructing venous return.
3. Chart IV maintenance fluids. Use Normal saline only unless specific reason to chart
alternative. Start at usual fluid requirement 1.5ml/kg /hour. Aim to replace early with enteral
feeding as tolerated.
4. If serum Na+ < 140 mmol /L this should be corrected with hypertonic saline to sodium > 140
mmol/L . Use either:
a. 20%Hypertonic saline ampoule i-ii prn or
b. 3% Saline-100-250mls bolus prn.
5. Ventilate on Standard ventilator setting with SIMV (volume controlled ) + PSV (as per
routine postoperative ventilation protocol). Use:
a. TV8ml/kg and Titrate RR so pCO2 35-40. Avoid pco2>40.
b. Peep5 cmH2o and titirate Fio2 to keep saturation >95%
c. Ensure that the peak airway pressure is <35cmH2O.
6. Sedate with morphine and midazolam for longer stay admission. If aiming to wake and
reassess the next day use morphine and propofol (if available).
7. Ensure CPP >60mmHg. In patients with severe head injury (GCS3-8) , review CT scan. If
any changes in CT consistent with brain swelling then assume ICP elevated to 20-
30mmHg and continue to target MAP of 80-90 mmHg as per initial management above.
To increment MAP if required use:
a. Fluids- normal saline or hypertonic saline
b. Vasopressors- adrenalin or noradrenalin (not dopamine unless adrenaline and
noradrenaline not available)
8. Minimise relaxant use to prn- use if:

a. for the intubation
b. for co2 control if there is severe centrally driven hyperventilation
c. if shivering and muscle rigidity is induced by active cooling to avoid hyper-thermia
d. for ICP control if sedated and still has intra-cranial hypertension
9. Load with phenytoin if ventilated and paralysed hence seizures difficult to assess, there is a
structural abnormality on CT or a history of fitting. Use Phenytoin load (15mg/kg over one
hour) and 5 mg/kg daily IV. Cease if seizure free after 10 days.
10. Continually monitor for development of surgical complication and drain early any extradural,
subdural collections or hydrocephalus. Repeat CT scan if unsure in any patient whose clinical
status deteriorates unexpectedly or if new or unexplained ICP rises occur in patients whose
ICPO is monitored.
11. Antibiotic prophyllaxis may be given according to surgical team for base of skull fractures or
fractures extending into the sinuses. Give either:
• IV ceftriaxone 1gram bd and IV metronidazole 500mg 12 hrly or
• IV chloramphenicol alone 1gram qid
Duration is for 48hours then cease unless evidence of infection. Continuation for prophylaxis
after 48hour increases risk of nosocomial chest infection.
12. Ensure the patients temperature is less than 38o C, actively cool to normo-thermia if required.
Do not actively re warm unless temperature less than 35o C.
13. Osmotherapy with Mannitol is not generally indicated in patients at CWM. It carries a serious
risk of hypotension and hypovolaemia in ICU brain trauma cases and should only be used if
great care is taken to monitor volume status and chase urine output, since protection of CCP is
priority. It is indicated in the emergency setting eg enroute to surgical treatment in rapidly
declining patients with signs of increasing ICP.
14. Monitor patient for development of polyuria (>3ml/kg/hour) and treat according to cause, for
example:
• Diabetes insipidus: usually sudden polyuria associated with rising serum sodium (and
low urinary sodium if this can be measured). Treatment is urine chase with 4%dextrose
and 1/5 nsaline with 10mmol KCL and DDAVP 0.5-1.0mcg tds prn IV
• Cerebral salt wasting: : usually sudden polyuria associated with falling serum sodium
(and high urinary sodium if this can be measured). Chase urine with normal saline to
maintain normovolaemia and aim for Na >140mmol/l with hypertonic boluses.
• Inappropriate mannitol use- chase urine output with normal saline to maintain
normovolaemia and MAP as per protocol above.
When should the patient with severe brain injury be woken?

If ICP monitoring is in situ then the decision to wake is based on this. The patient is kept asleep
until ICP has decreased below 20 mmHg (as sedation is part of therapy to reduce intracranial
pressure).
In the absence of ICP monitoring, management is based on an educated guess of ICP based on
GCS, pupils and CT scan findings. A plan should be made on daily rounds with surgeons and
intensive care staff. For example:
• If initial scan the brain is very swollen (either on CT scan or at the end of craniotomy) it is
often prudent to keep the patient asleep (sedation score 2-3) for a few days whilst instituting
methods outlined above to minimise ICP. The patient should then be rescanned either
immediately if new clinical signs arise (eg pupils stop reacting/dilate) or on day 3 if otherwise
stable. Depending on whether edema persists, has worsened or is reduced decisions can be
made to either wake at this stage or continue to sedate up to 7days total.
• If there is minimal swelling on CT scan despite admission GCS 3-8, or if patient has had
successful surgery to drain hematoma then it would be reasonable to consider waking earlier
and using clinical assessment of patients condition. Often sedated and ventilated for a short
period to ensure stability before the sedation is withdrawn (often the following morning).
• Similarly, if prognosis is deemed dreadful (collating GCS, pupils, age and CT scan and other
findings eg diabetes insipidus) and injury is thought not survivable then early waking to
assess for brain death is prudent.
Intracranial pressure management- some key points:

Intracranial pressure monitoring is not currently available at CWM but may be in the foreseeable
future. When this becomes the case then:
Indications for ICP monitoring.
• GCS 3-8 and an abnormal CT scan

• GCS 3-8 and a normal CT if two or more of the following features are noted at admission
1. Age over 40 years
2. Unilateral or bilateral motor posturing
3. Systolic BP <90 mmHg
4. GCS 3-8 and the patient requires prolonged surgery
Targets (based on current BTF guidelines):

• Intracranial pressure (ICP) <25mmHg in adults and 20mmHg in children
• Cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP)
o adults 60-70 mmHg
o children range is age dependant( 40-65mmHg)
• Mean arterial pressure (MAP) titrated according to ICP to achieve target CPP knowing
CPP= MAP-ICP
If ICP monitoring is inserted then invasive arterial monitoring is also required to allow accurate
achievement of CPP goals. The arterial transducer should be zeroed to the level of the tragus for
patients with intracranial pressure monitoring (ICP monitor or EVD).
It is useful to also insert CVP line to monitor fluid increments for MAP and allow administration of
vasopressors. Note: internal jugular lines should be avoided as this will potentially increase ICP by
impairing venous drainage from head).
ICP < 25 mmHg

• Use points 1-12 above to optimise ICP and CPP.
• If ICP <20mmHg aim for serum sodium >140mmol/l. If ICP 20-25 aim for Na 145mmol/l.
ICP > 25 mmHg

• An ICP above 25mmHg for more than 5 minutes should be actively treated
• Ensure measures for ICP < 25 are being followed as above
• If the intracranial pressure is > 25 mm/Hg the serum Na+ should be increased with
hypertonic saline to between 150-155
• Ensure adequate sedation. Increase sedation if required. Propofol may be added to
Morphine & Midazolam if required.
• Ensure senior medical staff aware of escalation in ICP and therapy.
• Maintain cerebral perfusion pressure whilst controlling ICP
Ensure the preload is adequate. Consider a fluid load to increase BP
Use increase in vasopressor if required, Noradrenaline is the first choice.
Note: CPP > 70 may be harmful. Once ICP has come down agin to desired range if the patient
has had his inotropes increased then reduce then as required to keep CPP 60-70mmHg
Document length of time ICPs were raised above 25 mmHg
If above measures fail to control the rise in ICP then:
• neuromuscular blockade may be used targeting 1-2 on TOF (see notes on NMBlocade)
• If external Ventricular Drainage insitu, drain CSF. Note: If the patient has external
ventricular drainage check the of drainage is at 15cmH2O (or as directed by the neurosurgeon
or consultant) prior to drainage of CSF.
• Repeat CT scan
New or unexplained rises in ICP warrant acute hyperventilation for short term control, a
repeat CT head and discussion with the neurosurgeon.
Other methods to reduce ICP (in patients with refractory intracranial hypertension):
• Hypothermia
This may be instituted for ICP persistently greater than 25mmHg refractory to other therapy.
Using cooling mattress the patient is cooled to between 33.5 to 34.5 degrees Celsius (using
bladder temperature monitor). These patients should all be drug paralysed. Cooling is
removed as intracranial hypertension begins to resolve.
• Decompressive craniectomy may be indicated but must be done urgently
Asthma policy
Signs of severe asthma and impending arrest
• Accessory muscle use
• recession
• A limited number of words per breath or monosyllabic utterances
• HR>130/min
• RR>30/min
• Paradox>15mmHg
• Inability to lie down
• Silent chest
• Lethargy, somnolence, advancing fatigue
• Normal or elevated Pco2
Intubation in acute asthma patient
• assume full stomach

• Preoxygenate well, RSI
• Use drugs you are familiar and happy with (this is not the time to try new things!):
o ketamine if available is a very good bronchodilator
o fentanyl better than morphine
o suxamethonium may cause histamine release but can still use
Principles of ventilation
• Oxygenate and ventilate
• Rest respiratory muscles
• Buy time while medications work
• Allow trapped air to escape (avoid barotrauma)
• LONG EXPIRATORY TIME I:E ratio 1:3-4 or longer
• Safe ventilation will probably mean elevated pCO2
How to set up the ventilator:
If possible use one of the new blue (vela) ventilators as these have functional insp and exp pause
buttons, synchonised nebulisation and allow larger settings for i:e ratios.
• TV 8ml/kg
• aiming for as long an I:E ratio as possible to allow lung deflation- At least 1:3 or 1:4 but may
require 1:8 or longer
• Therefore- RR not>12, start at 6-8
• high insp flow rates 80-100L/min (1.3- 1.7L/sec on servo)
• Peak insp press likely to be high but does not appear to cause barotrauma (check insp pause to
confirm)
• FiO2 1.0 initially, weaning once stabilized titrating to saturation.
• PEEP
o initially use 0cmH20 (patient already has DHI)
o once patient recovering (starts breathing spont) use 5-8cmH20
o note: if patient has concomitant problems with oxygenation (eg congestive cardiac
failure or pneumonia then use PEEP 5-8cmH2o to allow weaning oxygen to Fio2
<0.6)
Drugs used for asthma in ICU:
All patients must have:
• salbutamol nebs initially continuously, then increase interval as improves

• Hydrocortisone 2-4mg/kg every 6hours
• Rehydration and supportive care
If intubated and ventilated must also have:

• Beta agonist infusion, either:
• Salbutamol :
o Bolus dose (can trial this to avoid impending intubation)
 draw up 500mcg in 10mls and use 50-250mcg boluses ( 1-5mls)
o For infusion use 2000mcg in 100mls (1ml/hour = 0.33 mcg/min)
 Infuse at 5-20mcg/min (ie 15-60mls/hour)
• Adrenalin infusion
o Adrenaline is made up as 6 mg in 100 mL (1ml/hour=1 mcg/min).
 Infuse at 1-20mcg/ min (ie 1-20mls/hour)
Other options to consider in severe asthma

• Anticholinergics (benefit as adjuct)- nebulised atrovent qid
• Ketamine infusion
• Inhalational agents (care with halothane and adrenalin)
• Magnesium
• ?role of leukotriene antagonists
Please note: Aminophylline infusion- has conflicting evidence is severe asthma in studies and has a
narrow therapeutic index with toxicity. It can also interact with IV adrenalin and/or ventolin so cause
arrhythmias and therefore in our patient group already on these drugs it is best to avoid concomitant
aminophylline.
Should I use paralysis?

Aim to paralyse and sedate only if necessary and cease as soon as practical.
Evidence: Myopathy after NMBAs for severe asthma occurs in 30% of those receiving paralytics;
resultsin longer duration of mechanical ventilation (27 vs 7 days) and ICU stay. Behbehani, CHEST
1999 + others
However it is often necessary to sedate and paralyse initially to get control of gas trapping in patients
who fight the ventilator).
What things tell you about gas trapping and effectiveness of ventilation when ventilated for
asthma?
• Chest expansion and relaxation

• Wheeze to end of expiration
• Plateau pressure- aim <25cmh20
• Intrinsic peep- exp pause- aim <12cmh20
• VEI- end insp lung volume– total exp volume in 30-60sec apnoea to FRC- aim <20ml/kg-
requires paralysis
n Plateau pressure (Pplat)
approximates alveolar pressure

single inspiratory pause manoeuvre
<25-30cmH2O
n Intrinsic PEEP (iPEEP)
more a measure of proximal airway pressure

single expiratory pause manoeuvre
less reliable than Pplat because of air trapping
<12-15cmH2O
n End-expiratory volume (Vei) - Tuxen
Collection of all expired gas from TLC to FRC

Requires 40-60seconds of apnoea
Requires sedation and paralysis
>20ml/kg correlated with barotrauma(1.4l in 70kg adult)
Can be measured or derived
Vei = vT x Pplat
Pplat-iPEEP
What is the differential Dx of high airway pressures/inability to ventilate?
After intubation and ventilation the patient may be very difficult to ventilate with very high airway
pressures. This is likely due to high airway resistance and reduced lung compliance doe to
hyperinflation. HOWEVER, this is a diagnosis of exclusion. It is important to check insp pause
(alveolar pressure) to check barotraumas risk is minimized and exclude other problems causing high
airway pressures.
Differential diagnosis includes:
• Circuit problems
• ETT- in too far (RMB intubation), out, kinked, blocked, cuff herniation
• Airway- FB, asthma**, aspiration, anaphyllaxis
• Alveoli- pulmonary edema, blood etc
• Pleura- tension pneumothorax
• Chest wall- relaxation, burns etc
• Abdomen- distension etc
• Examine the patient - particularly

• CVS look at BP, PR, CVP/JVP, perfusion
• Resp look at TML, PN, Breath sounds
• Look at the ventilator
• Peak Airway Pressure
• Plateau pressure
• AutoPEEP
• If having Trouble Hand Ventilate !!
If in addition the pulse is very difficult to feel or becomes progressively bradycardic or arrests this is
likely very severe gas trapping causing severe impairment venous return. Emergency management
includes:
• disconnect from the ventilator and do not reconnect until good cardiac output resumes. When
pulse is palpable again, start very slow hand ventilation first (1-2 breathes/min)
• CPR, adrenalin, treat Hs and Ts (this is likely EMD)fluid load,
• consider treating pneumothorax with needle thoracosentesis then chest tube.
Patient controlled intravenous opioid analgesia (PCA)
For this to be successful, the patient must be lucid and cooperative.
Use boluses of morphine or fentanyl to achieve good analgesia prior to commencing the PCA.
Patient controlled analgesia using microprocessor controlled pump.
Morphine
• Add morphine 100 mg to normal saline to make a volume of 100 ml (1 mg/ml solution);
• set a 1 ml bolus (1 mg),( in the elderly use a 0.5 ml bolus (0.5 mg) instead).
• with a lockout interval of 5 minutes, and
• no background infusion;
Fentanyl
Occasionally, after consultation with the senior registrar or consultant, fentanyl may be used instead
of morphine (in patients with renal failure);
• add fentanyl 1000 mcg to normal saline to make a volume of 100 ml (10 mcg/ml solution),
• set a 2 ml bolus (20 mcg), in the elderly use a 1 ml bolus (10 mcg) instead.
• with lockout time of 5 minutes, and
• no background infusion
Epidural Analgesia
DUTY of ANAESTHETIST inserting EPIDURALS
If you have inserted an epidural, it is your duty to:
1. Hand over to the on call registrar

2. Receive hand over of any issues from the night registrar.
3. Review the patient daily.
Write epidural orders: clearly

Date / POST – ANAESTHESIA ORDERS [name]
Time
This patient has an EPIDURAL in situ.

Please do not change the settings on the infusion pump.
If any problems arise, please:
• call the anaesthetist on call (after hours) or
• [name] on [phone number] during business hours
Please also call the anaesthetist to:

• Change the syringe
• If the pump malfunctions
Q4H observations. Please notify anaesthetist if:

• Systolic BP < [ # ] or > [ # ]
• HR < [ # ] or > [ # ]
• RR < [ # ] or > [ # ]
• Temp > 38 C
• Pain
Please perform the additional observations Q4H and report if:

• Urine output < [ # ] mls in 4 hours
• Leg weakness
Signature
Name
Phone number
DAILY REVIEW
Should consist of:
• History of pain or motor block.

• Review vital signs especially:
o BP
o HR
o Temperature
• Examine
o Motor block
o Insertion site for erythema or tenderness
o Level of block
o Syringe pump
o Medication chart (additional opioid use, heparin)
• Plan:
For the next 24 hours
o
Removal is to be performed by the anaesthetist (not nursing staff) after reviewing
o
 Heparin administration
 Coagulation studies (if indicated eg if abnormal LFT’s or massive blood
transfusion)
• Clear documentation
The exception to this is when a patient is transferred to ICU, where the ICU registrar will manage the
epidural. (It is still good practice to review your patients while they have an epidural in situ). If the
patient leaves ICU with the epidural, the responsibility returns to the anaesthetist who inserted the
epidural.
TROUBLE SHOOTING.
As the on call or night registrar, you may be asked to review a patient with an epidural.
Some tips:
• Pain
Take a history, review opioid use
o
Check block
o
If LOW block, bolus (with solution in the infusion pump) and increase rate by 2ml/h
o
If NO block, consider bolus with 2% lignocaine
o
** ask nursing staff to take BP Q10min after a bolus for 30 mins. Review patient
o
within 30 mins and reassess.
• Hypotension
o Take history, check block.
o Consider phone order for oxygen, fluid bolus (NaCl rather than DSal)
o Consider IV ephedrine bolus or 30 mg IM ephedrine if persistent.
o Consider other differential dx eg AMI
o Consider transferring to ICU (or PARU if ICU is full)
• Motor Block
o History, examination.
o Consider ceasing epidural to assess return of motor function but remember to restart
the epidural.
• Temperature
o Examine for back tenderness.
o Remove epidural if T>39C
Still to be written:
Tracheostomy care
Measurement of intraabdominal pressure
Apache scoring
Oxygen therapy with masks
INFECTION CONTROL POLICY FOR THEINTENSIVE CARE UNIT (ICU)
Intensive Care is a high risk area for nosocomial infections because of the patient diagnostic mix, the
frequent use of devices that breach patient defences against infection (e.g. urinary catheters,
endotracheal tubes and intravascular cannulation devices), and the widespread use of multiple broad-
spectrum antibiotics. Further, the frequent close patient contact and contact with body fluids required
in the provision of nursing and medical care to this patient group allows for the increased transmission
of infective organisms between patients, including multi-resistant organisms (MROs).
Current Recommendations for infection control for all patients in ICU:
A minimum of Standard Precautions must be strictly adhered to in ALL intensive care patients.
Please refer to section 4.2 Fiji Ministry of Health Infection Control Manual (Fiji MOH ICM) for
details.
Note: Many Intensive care units use Contact Precautions (see section 4.3 Fiji MOH ICM) for all
patient care activities in ICU. This practice is based on the presumption that this may reduce
nosocomial infection rates and the transmission of MROs, however there is not sufficient evidence in
the literature to support this theory and it is not currently recommended in international guidelines.
HAND HYGIENE:
Strict hand hygiene is the mainstay of ICU infection prevention.
Recent evidence demonstrates that alcohol-based hand rubs are superior to hand washing with soap
and water for the prevention of nosocomial infection, due to enhanced efficacy in reducing
microorganisms on the skin and ease of use. Alcohol-based hand rubs are therefore now
recommended for standard hand hygiene practice in ICU.
When to practice hand hygiene with alcohol-based hand rub:
• On entering and leaving the intensive care unit

• Before and after ANY direct contact with patients
• When moving between a contaminated body site (e.g. a wound) and a clean body site
• After glove use
• After contact with inanimate objects in the immediate vicinity of the patient, including
medical equipment and charts
• Before and after inserting in-dwelling urinary catheters, peripheral vascular catheters or other
invasive devices that do not require a surgical hand wash.
Hand-washing with soap and water is indicated only:
• Before eating
• After using a bathroom
• After removing powdered gloves
• When hands are visibly dirty
• If exposed to Clostridium difficile.
When using an alcohol-based hand rub:
• Apply the hand rub to dry skin only

• Squirt once onto the palm of the hand
• Rub hands together, ensuring whole hands are covered including between fingers and around
nails
• Roll over all surfaces until dry (~ 15 seconds)
• Do not wash hands immediately after application.
When hand washing with soap and water:
• Do not apply soap to dry skin, always moisten skin first to prevent skin irritation
• Do not combine soaps.
Nails:
Nails must be kept short and clean. Artificial nails are not permitted.
Jewellery:
Jewellery (rings and bracelets etc) should not be worn, with the exception of a simple wedding band.
GOWNS:
The routine wearing of gowns by all personnel in the ICU has not been shown to reduce the risk of
nosocomial infection and is therefore not required. However, gowns must be worn:
1. For the care of patients for whom Contact Precautions are required.
2. To protect the skin and clothing of health care workers (HCWs) for any procedure where
there is a potential exposure to blood or body fluids. This includes (but is not limited to):
• Suctioning of endotracheal tubes

• Nasogastric tube insertion
• Emptying bags containing body fluids e.g. urinary catheter bags
• Wound dressings
• Changing of diapers or soiled bed linen
• Sponging and cleaning of patients as part of care.
Gowns may also be worn if HCWs clothing will have substantial contact with the patient,
environmental surfaces or items in the patient’s room if the HCW believes this to be important (e.g.
unproven MRO infection in a high risk patient).
Gowns are for staff to use in caring for a single patient and are dedicated to the care of that patient
only. If moving to another patient or bed space the gown must be removed and hands washed before
proceeding. Gowns may be kept at the patient’s bedside for use again when returning to that bed, but
must be hung on dedicated stands avoiding contact with other objects in the room/bed space.
Gowns must be sent for laundering:
• Daily, at the commencement of the morning nursing shift, or

• Immediately any soiling is present.
GLOVES:
Non-sterile gloves should be available to be worn by HCWs for any procedure where there is a
potential exposure to blood or body fluids, as outlined in detail in section 4.2 Fiji MOH ICM Standard
Precautions. Gloves MUST also be worn for the care of patients for whom Contact Precautions are
required.
Gloves are to be used for the care of one patient only and removed and discarded prior to moving to
the next patient.
Gloves should not be washed or reused.
Hands must be washed after removal of gloves. Use of gloves does not eliminate the need to wash
hands.
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANING POLICY
Bed Spaces: are to be thoroughly cleaned after each patient leaves the ICU and before the next patient
occupies the space. This includes: Bed (top and bottom), mattress, bed tables, shelves and wall beside
bed.
Equipment: should be single use, or cleaned and disinfected between each patient.
Airconditioning - should be maintained in good working condition at all times. Schedule for full
cleaning monthly or whenever deemed appropriate by infection control team.
Curtains - are to be laundered every 2 weeks, or immediately if they become soiled.
Ward - Sweep and mop every morning and afternoon. The ward is damp dusted every morning using
Milton solution.
ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS:
Contact Precautions
Full Contact Precautions MUST be used in the following patient groups:
• Known or suspected MRO infection or colonization (MRSA, Multi-resistant Gram negative

bacteria, VRE and others named by the Infection Control Committee)
• Diarrhoeal illnesses e.g. Clostridium difficile infection
• Highly contagious skin infections e.g. impetigo, scabies, mucocutaneous Herpes simplex
virus infection.
During Contact Precautions, in addition to Standard Precautions the following is recommended:
• Use of gowns and gloves if HCWs clothing and hands will have substantial contact with the
patient, environmental surfaces or items in the patient’s room
• Single use or dedicated equipment for each patient; (if equipment must be shared, thorough
disinfection is essential before use on the next patient)
• Isolation of patient in single room if practicable.
• Visitors must wear gowns and adhere to strict hand hygiene.
Airborne and Droplet precautions:
See section 4.3 and table 4.1 in Fiji MOH ICM
ASEPTIC TECHNIQUE:
Must be used for the following procedures:
• Insertion of Central venous lines

• Insertion of peripheral long lines
• Insertion of arterial lines
• Insertion of urinary catheters.
This involves:
• Use of sterile gown, gloves and equipment trays.

• Appropriate hand scrubbing (see section 7.3 Fiji MOH ICM Hand scrub before surgical
procedure)
• Appropriate skin preparation (see section 7.1 and 7.4 Fiji MOH ICM Skin preparation before
surgical procedure)
• Careful no touch technique.
CARE OF INTRAVENOUS (IV) CANNULAE and OTHER INVASIVE DEVICES
IV cannula sites must be frequently inspected (every 4 hours) for signs of phlebitis.
Peripheral IV cannulae should be routinely resited every 48-72 hours, or earlier if concerns. This
should coincide with changing of administration sets. IV fluid bags should be changed every 24 hours.
Central and arterial lines inserted under aseptic conditions do not require routine change as above.
However they should be removed immediately if there is:
• Local signs of infection (erythema, purulent exudate).
• Signs of systemic infection including: rising WCC, fever, rigors, SIRS response particularly if
more than 5 days since insertion.
For details of care of urinary catheters see chapter 16.3 Management of urinary catheters.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION IN RELATION TO INFECTION PREVENTION AND

CONTROL, REFER TO THE CURRENT GUIDELINES FOR INFECTION PREVENTION
AND CONTROL USED BY THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH
Acknowledgement
Dr Elizabeth Jane Bennett would like to acknowledge and thank the Intensive Care Unit, Princess
Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia who kindly provided copies of their 2008 version of their
ICU protocols on which many of these protocols were based but altered to conform to Fijian ICU
requirements.
References
D Berston, N Soni and Teik Oh, Ohs intensive care manual 5th edition, Butterworth and Heineman,
Elsevier Science, 2003, ISBN 0 7506 5184 9
Guidelines for management for Severe traumatic brain injury, A project of the brain trauma
foundation American association of neurological surgeons and congress of neurological surgeons,
joint section on neurotrauma and intensive care, 2007 clinical management guidelines,
Website: www.braintrauma.org
Guidelines for the acute medical management for severe traumatic brain injury in infants,
children and adolescents, Website: www.braintrauma.org
J Cooper, H Ackland, Clearing the cervical spine in unconscious head injured patients- the
evidence, Critical care and Resuscitation, volume 7, number 3, September 2005, 181-183
C. G. T. Morris1 and E´ . McCoy2, Clearing the cervical spine in unconscious polytrauma victims,
balancing risks and effective screening Anaesthesia, 2004, 59, pages 464–482
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Health-Care
Settings, 2002.
WHO Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care (Advanced Draft), 2006.
Vincent, J.L. Give your patient a fast hug (at least) once a day. Crit Care Med 2005. 33(6): 1225-
1229.
Kress JP, Pohlman AS, O’Connor MF, et al: Daily interruption of sedative infusions in critically ill
patients undergoing mechanicalventilation. N Engl J Med 2000; 342:1471–1477
Siegel JD, Rhinehart E, Jackson M, Chiarello L, and the Healthcare Infection Control Practices
Advisory Committee, 2007 Guideline for Isolation Precautions: Preventing Transmission of Infectious
Agents in Healthcare Settings, June 2007.
Behbehani N, Al-mane F, D’YachkovaYet al. Myopathy following mechanical ventilation for

acute severe asthma:role of muscle relaxants and corticosteroids, Chest 1999:115;1627-31
British National Formulary (BNF), number 35, march 1998. Appendix 3: Renal Impairment.
Pages: 592-599.
Scope and Application This CPG is intended for use by all health care
workers in their daily care of patients in ICU
Effective Date 2010
Supercedes Policy Number Not applicable
Review Responsibilities In consultation with the lead Intensivist, The

Chairperson of the Anaesthetic/ICU Network will
initiate the review of this guidelines every 3 years from
the date of issue or as required.
Further Information Anaesthetic/ICU CSN Chairperson
RESPONSIBILITY:
CPG Owner: Anaesthetic/ICU CSN
CPG Writer: Ministry of Health Date: November 2010
Endorsed:
National Medicines & Therapeutic Committee, MOH
Date: 23 November 2010
Endorsed:
National Health Executive Committee, MOH
Date: 25 November 2010

ICU-Guidelines 2010

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ICU-Guidelines 2010

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Intensive Care Unit

Guidelines for Clinical Management

Compiled by: Dr Lisa Bennett, Consultant Intensivist, 2010

Basic Nursing Care…………………………………………………………………………….6

FASTHUG Admission Checklist............................................................................................... 8

Routine postoperative ventilation .............................................................................................. 9

Initial ventilator settings ............................................................................................................ 9

Enteral Nutrition Feeding Regimen ......................................................................................... 11

TPN (total parenteral nutrition) ............................................................................................... 12

The patient who is on invasive mechanical ventilation........................................................ 15

Standard sedation ................................................................................................................. 15

Stopping sedation ................................................................................................................. 16

DVT and PE Prophylaxis ......................................................................................................... 18

Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis .......................................................................................................... 19

HEAD –UP tilt ......................................................................................................................... 20

Management of Hypoglycaemia: ............................................................................................. 20

Neuromuscular blocking drugs ................................................................................................ 22

Renal Failure Protocol ............................................................................................................. 24

Calculation of Glomerular filtration rate .............................................................................. 24

Cockcroft and gault equation ............................................................................................... 24

Indications for dialysis in ICU: ............................................................................................ 25

Antibiotic therapy .................................................................................................................... 26

TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY PROTOCOL for ICU ......................................................... 29

General Principles: ............................................................................................................... 29

CT scan of the head .............................................................................................................. 30

On arrival in ICU: ................................................................................................................ 32

If ICP monitoring is in situ................................................................................................... 33

Indications for ICP monitoring. ........................................................................................... 34

Signs of severe asthma and impending arrest ...................................................................... 36

If intubated and ventilated must also have: .......................................................................... 37

Epidural Analgesia ................................................................................................................... 40

DUTY of ANAESTHETIST inserting EPIDURALS .......................................................... 40

• Under no circumstances does a patient get admitted to ICU under anaesthesia.

o Coordinating and communicating between various treating teams eg surgical,

o Reviewing, accepting and clerking admissions,

o staffing the ICU throughout the day,

o reviewing and stabilising new referrals

o liasing with admitting teams over any new issues.

o If appropriateness of admission to ICU requires discussion eg unlikely to change

• Clean with N/Saline every 2 hours.

• Clean with N/Saline PRN

Endotracheal tube care

Pressure Area Care:

Central venous line care:

Feeding and fluids

Head up 30- 45 degrees for each patient unless specific contraindication

Stress Ulcer prophyllaxis

• Tidal volume= 8mls/kg (to nearest 50mls)

Titration of ventilator settings

When to ask for help

• Requirement of fio2 >0.6 to maintain Sop2 >90% (as above)

Exceptions to this routine include:

K+ is measured on arrival in ICU

Fluid increments- Normal Saline

Urine output in the range of 0.5 to 2 mL/kg/hour is acceptable in most patients.

Target Blood pressure

Exceptions when a higher target may chosen:

• Known hypertensive patients

• Commence feeding at 40mL per hour.

Signs that a patient is not tolerating feeds include:

1. Progressive abdominal distension

ICU TPN administration

1. Target calories as above (usually carbohydrate: lipids ratio 60-70%;30-40%)